Emperor Mollusk Versus the Sinister Brain

By: A. Lee Martinez

Narrated by: Scott Aiello

Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Emperor Mollusk. Intergalactic Menace. Destroyer of Worlds. Conqueror of Other Worlds. Mad Genius. Ex-Warlord of Earth. Not bad for a guy without a spine. But what's a villain to do after he's done... everything.

With no new ambitions, he's happy to pitch in and solve the energy crisis or repel aliens invaders should the need arise, but if he had his way, he'd prefer to be left alone to explore the boundaries of dangerous science. Just as a hobby, of course. Retirement isn't easy though. If the boredom doesn't get him, there's always the Venusians. Or the Saturnites. Or the Mercurials. Or... well, you get the idea. If that wasn't bad enough, there's also the assassins of a legendary death cult and an up-and-coming megalomaniac (as brilliant as he is bodiless) who have marked Emperor for their own nefarious purposes.

But Mollusk isn't about to let the Earth slip out of his own tentacles and into the less capable clutches of another. So it's time to dust off the old death ray and come out of retirement. Except this time, he's not out to rule the world. He's out to save it from the peril of the Sinister Brain!

©2012 A. Lee Martinez (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Excellent sci-fi comedy

I got this thinking it was just a sci-fi novel and was pleasantly surprised to find it was a very funny comedy also. Which turn out to be exactly what I was looking for in a book. A good story, lots of fun, action, and laughs.

I want to be a Neptunan!

The story was witty, humorous, and occasionally thought provoking.

The narrator's slightly aristocratic British accent fit the title character perfectly.

enjoyable

Would you consider the audio edition of Emperor Mollusk Versus the Sinister Brain to be better than the print version?

I have to say, I believe the narration to be the larger chunk of it's charm. Although I have to add that I have not, in fact, read the book. Having said that, I do have a few books under my belt, and I am confident in my assertion that having this style of book read to you by a skilled narrator is the preferable experience.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the absurdity of the story, and it's comfortableness with that absurdity.

Which scene was your favorite?

I enjoyed when he meets his (well I don't want to give it away), the first major character he encounters and can already tell him why he doesn't want what he is seeking, what will go wrong, and how it will leave him wanting. Doing this all in a bored, I can have this conversation on my own, no need for your contribution because I already know what your thinking, sort of a fashion.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I think the title carries it.

Any additional comments?

A story built for a nice distraction. Not complex, just a fun listen for the afternoon.

Extremely fun book! Family friendly was a big plus

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have, but I have not convinced too many to try it...yet.

What did you like best about this story?

The story was extremely fun and the cast performance was very fitting to the characters. Mr. Martinez has a touch of Adams in his delivery.

Have you listened to any of Scott Aiello’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it was a great motivator to get the kids off to school on time. So we got an installment every morning!

How to conquer the world without confrontation

Where does Emperor Mollusk Versus the Sinister Brain rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As far as comedy/ adventure books it is a great listen.The narrator puts on a good performance. The characters put me in the mind of bumbling cartoon evil geniuses like Wile E Coyote and Pinky and the Brain.

What other book might you compare Emperor Mollusk Versus the Sinister Brain to and why?

I just got done listening to Dimensions of Miracles which has been compared to HItchikers Guide to the Galaxy. Also reminded me of Voltaire's Candide. Stories about going all over the universe finding where you fit in. The Emperor Mollusk was on the same quest.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was when he came to a planet and announced that he had taken it over. The inhabitants of the planet said they would fight for it. And the Emperor was like "No need I have already taken over past tense." It showed a pattern with the Emperor Mollusk, because although his job was world conqueror he really did not like confrontation. LOL

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Although not particularly moved, I may have been inspired. Because I too am not cut out for my job and I am sure nobody else feels that way. Basically, I was moved to tears from laughing nonstop.

Any additional comments?

When listening to the book I imagined that the mollusk was actually conquering worlds that were contained in a giant Aquarium. Something so small to us was like a universe to the mollusk.Or maybe in small part of a vast ocean. The point being is obstacles that seem small to us could be world changing to others. Also I imagined it like a Saturday morning cartoon

Scott Aiello is amazing!

What about Scott Aiello’s performance did you like?

Listening to Scott Aiello was such a treat. He brought so much fun and comedy to this novel just by how he read it. He was absolutely brilliant in his delivery!

Any additional comments?

This story is cute and somewhat interesting but the star of the show is the narration. Scott Aiello more than makes up for the weaknesses of the storyline and I highly recommend listening to it just to hear his interpretation of the characters. He had me laughing out loud.

fun playful intelligent

Would you listen to Emperor Mollusk Versus the Sinister Brain again? Why?

I wouldn't listen to it again - geez - I just heard it - what a silly question.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The emperor is cool, fun, smart. Such a wacky and interesting character. Very 'real' and appealing.

What about Scott Aiello’s performance did you like?

Voices and reading style all excellent.

Any additional comments?

Some scenes between the emperor and his sidekick assassin guard woman are a bit repetitive, with the same old shtick of "have you thought of the consequences of you actions" and "you are a criminal and I'll bring you to justice" or "I don't understand your genius, but I'm sure its evil". But there is more than enough other story to keep you going. Excellent.

Wonderful Fun!

I bought this on a whim after it was on sale recently, and I am delighted with it! I don't read a lot of fantasy or science fiction, but the humor balanced out the mutated dinosaurs. The adventures of a semi-retired Neptunon conqueror of Earth are whimsical and nicely paced. The narrator is wonderful to listen to. He differentiates his characters very effectively and delivers the anti-hero's line with gusto and humor. I went and bought the novel on Kindle, too, but it doesn't compare to the audio performance.

Pretty good

Im a huge fan of this author and I've been reading his books for years. This was the first audio book from him that I've listened to. Maybe that was the problem? It was amazon over all, but try a Divine Misfortune first.

Hilarious & Thought Provoking at the Same Time

This is a great, fun, book. If you like Terry Pratchett or Carl Hiaasen or even Susan Elizabeth Phillips, you'll probably get your money's worth - though I'd bet there aren't a whole lot of people like me who love the writing of all three.

Martinez works in some "real" science quandaries. Gives a travelogue view of Earth. Nails human nature. Introduces Zala the Venusian Warrior, loyal and fearless, and oh so much more.

"Emperor Mollusk" is being compared to the work of Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy). Yes, there are some similarities. But "Mollusk" is every so much easier to follow, the non sequitur plot turns in "Mollusk" rapidly becoming part of the story as artfully as a jigsaw piece dropping into place in a puzzle.